Troubleshooting Add-in Loading Issues in Xpedition AMS Experiment Manager Using Microsoft Excel

In the realm of Xpedition AMS, a vital component for managing experiments is the Experiment Manager. It relies on Microsoft Excel for its functionality. However, it has come to our attention that certain instances of using the Office 365 version of Excel within the Experiment Manager result in the AMS add-ins failing to load properly, rendering the buttons inactive. In this article, we will delve into the possible cause of this issue and outline steps to rectify it.

Cause

ActiveX Controls Disabled by Default One potential cause of the aforementioned problem lies in the default settings of Excel, where ActiveX controls are disabled. This can prevent the seamless loading of AMS add-ins in the Excel workbook, thereby rendering the associated buttons inactive.

Resolution Steps

To address this issue and ensure the successful loading of add-ins, please follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1

Launch Experiment Manager from Xpedition AMS Initiate the Experiment Manager from the Xpedition AMS interface. This action will open both the AMS Experiment dialog and Excel simultaneously. Upon opening Excel, a security warning will be displayed, accompanied by the "Enable Content" button.

Step 2

Enable Content in Excel Bring Excel to the forefront by selecting its window in the Windows stack and click the "Enable Content" button. By doing so, you allow the necessary content, including the add-ins, to be enabled within the Excel workbook.

Step 3

Confirm and Proceed in Xpedition AMS Return to Xpedition AMS and click the "OK" button in the AMS Experiments dialog to confirm the changes made in Excel. This step ensures synchronization between Experiment Manager and Excel.

Alternative Approach

In certain cases, if the preceding three steps fail to resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have Excel already running, even with an empty spreadsheet, before launching the Experiment Manager. This alternative approach can circumvent any potential conflicts and ensure a smooth loading process.

By adhering to the aforementioned steps, users of Xpedition AMS Experiment Manager can overcome the challenge of add-in loading issues encountered when using Microsoft Excel, particularly the Office 365 version. The resolution provided ensures the proper functioning of AMS add-ins and activates the associated buttons in the Excel workbook. Experiment Manager can then be effectively utilized for seamless experiment management within Xpedition AMS.